Silberman, Evelyn

Abstract [sv]

Since the care for the elderly is a low priority there are shortcomings. One of these shortcomings are that the elderly living in nursing homes do not feel that they have a meaningful existence. The aim of this study was to identify which factors could give the elderly residing in nursing homes a meaningful existence. The study was conducted through a review of existing literature with a systematic literature study. Scientific articles were found, read, analyzed and condensed. The connotation of the term "meaningful existence" is individual and differs from person to person. This study has identified six categories that could lead to a meaningful existence for the elderly living in nursing homes. These were: to feel secure, maintaining integrity, maintaining relations, to feel inner harmony, to feel comfort and to be active. Four important findings derived from the categories and were discussed further. These were integrity, a meaningful activity, animals in the health facility environment and security. In conclusion it was found that a meaningful existence, what ever it may be to the single individual, is important to the quality of life for the elderly persons residing in nursing homes.